Crann Centre aims to raise €75,000 through Walk N’Roll fundraiser

The Crann Centre, which provides supports to more than 900 families living with neuro-physical disabilities across Cork and Munster, is aiming to raise €75,000 through this year’s Walk n’Roll fundraiser.

Now in its sixth year, Walk n’Roll is the charity’s most important annual fundraising event. Members of the public are invited to register on idonate and complete a 5km in their own way between June 1st and 7th. Boosting the campaign, Boston Scientific has also pledged its support with a 3 year commitment to Walk n’Roll.

To mark this year’s Walk n’Roll, families who attend Crann will come together to complete their final 1km at the Crann Centre’s fully accessible playground on Saturday, June 6th. The event will conclude with a family celebration featuring entertainment and activities.

Among those taking part is the Mangan family from Ballinhassig. Their son Rian (10), who lives with Cerebral Palsy, has been accessing services at the Crann Centre since 2022. His brother Oran (8) attends Crann’s sibling workshops, which provide a safe space for children to share experiences with others in similar situations.
Rian and Oran’s mother, Miriam, said:
“Rian is involved in many of Crann’s programmes, including the Breaking Barriers theatre group, summer camps, Skills on Wheels workshops, and play therapy. Oran regularly attends SibShops, which allow him to share his sibling experience with other children who understand what that’s like.These programmes have been invaluable, not just for Rian’s personal development, but for how we function as a family day to day. The staff are fantastic, and the sense of community and support gives me great reassurance that we’re never on our own.”

The Crann Centre supports individuals and families affected by a wide range of conditions, including Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Arthrogryposis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis.
At the heart of Crann’s work is its pioneering Two-Generation (whole family) Model of Care, which supports not only the child or adult living with a disability, but also parents, siblings and caregivers.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive of Crann, said: “Participation in Walk n’Roll grows every year, and I’d like to thank everyone who signs up, along with our partners Boston Scientific and Cork City FC, for getting behind the event. Walk n’Roll raises vital funds for the services we provide for families to achieve the best possible outcomes for their physical and mental health and participation in education, employment and community activities. By supporting the entire family together, Crann enables families not just to cope, but to truly thrive.”

The Crann Centre is supported by Cork City FC, with players Seani Maguire and Rory Feely acting as ambassadors for this year’s Walk n’Roll. The club will also host a bucket collection in support of Crann at their match against Finn Harps on Friday, May 29th.

To sign up for Walk n’Roll visit HERE